Soft coconut candy is a traditional treat that appears every Lunar New Year, bringing families together to enjoy sweet moments while chatting in warmth and joy. If you are worried about the safety of store-bought coconut candy, why not make your own at home for everyone to enjoy. Let’s explore a variety of delicious coconut candy recipes to help you welcome a cozy and joyful Lunar New Year.
Soft Young Coconut Candy
Young coconut candy is a popular Lunar New Year treat. You can easily make it at home with just a few ingredients such as young coconut meat, sugar, and vanilla. The finished candy has a mildly sweet and nutty taste with a pleasant crunch. It pairs nicely with a cup of warm tea for friendly chats with family and friends.
To make this candy delicious, choose young coconut and slice it into long thin strips. Wash several times to remove excess coconut oil. Then soak the coconut with sugar for about 1 to 2 hours until the sugar dissolves. Cook in a large pan, starting on high heat then gradually lowering to medium heat until the candy becomes dry and lightly coated with a fine white sugar layer. You can store it in jars or zip bags for 3 to 4 weeks.
Turmeric Yellow Coconut Candy
If plain white coconut candy feels too simple, you can add natural coloring to make it more vibrant. Turmeric is a healthy choice because it creates a striking yellow color and contains curcumin, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The method is almost the same as the traditional version. After preparing the coconut strips, mix them with sugar and turmeric powder. Let them soak for about 2 hours. Then cook on low heat until the liquid evaporates and a fine sugary coating appears. The candy will have an appealing golden color with a pleasant and slightly different flavor.
Milk Coconut Candy
Regular coconut candy already tastes rich and sweet, yet many people enjoy adding milk during cooking for an even creamier and more aromatic result. Milk coconut candy melts softly in your mouth and has a delicious milky fragrance.
You only need coconut meat, sugar, and a bit of fresh milk or condensed milk. Once the coconut strips have soaked in sugar, cook them in a wide pan. When the syrup thickens, add the milk and continue stirring until the sugar crystallizes and the candy becomes dry. The result is a delightful, creamy version of this Tet favorite.
Gac Coconut Candy
Similar to how gac fruit is used to create colorful sticky rice, it can also give coconut candy a beautiful orange-red hue. The flavor remains rich and coconutty, with a gentle aroma from the gac that makes the candy both eye-catching and unique.
Cut the gac fruit, remove the seeds, and mix the fleshy part with the prepared coconut strips. Add sugar and let everything marinate for 2 to 3 hours. Cook the mixture over high heat at first, then gradually lower it for 40 to 50 minutes until the candy becomes dry and naturally colored. The subtle gac scent will make this version truly special.
Rose-Shaped Coconut Candy
Guests will be impressed with a plate of rose-shaped coconut candies. It requires patience and attention to detail, yet the final presentation makes the effort worthwhile.
After peeling and slicing the coconut into thin strips, blanch it in boiling water and rinse thoroughly to reduce the oil. Soak the strips with sugar and natural colors, then cook until the coconut becomes firm and coated with crystallized sugar. While still warm, roll each strip into a spiral shape to form a rose, holding it tightly so the shape stays in place. This creative version transforms plain coconut candy into a charming and festive treat.
Coconut Candy Bites
If you are familiar with the traditional long coconut strips, try switching things up with round coconut candy bites. These colorful little treats look like tiny sugar-coated candies, offering a sweet aroma and delightful flavor.
To make them, prepare coconut meat, sugar, and natural coloring ingredients such as pandan leaves, milk, coffee, passion fruit, or gac fruit. Cut the coconut into small cubes about 1 cm. Rinse them in warm water until the liquid runs clear. Then boil briefly, soak in sugar syrup, and cook until dry just like the regular method. The result is vibrant, bite-sized treats that kids and adults love.
Coffee Coconut Candy
This version only requires coconut meat, sugar, and coffee. Slice the coconut into thin strips, marinate with coffee and sugar, then cook until the coconut dries and the sugar forms a light coating. Simple and quick to prepare.
Coffee coconut candy has a gentle coffee aroma blended with the chewy coconut texture and a hint of vanilla. The strips turn a beautiful golden brown with a balanced sweetness and no bitterness. It is hard to stop at just one piece. Go ahead and give it a try in your own kitchen.
Colorful Coconut Candy
This multicolored version looks complicated but is actually quite simple. You prepare the coconut just like the basic recipe, then divide it into small batches and color each with natural powders such as matcha or turmeric. Soak, cook, and you’re done.
The finished candies feature a variety of cheerful colors. Each strip is elastic and not overly sweet. If you want a Tet candy tray that stands out with multiple flavors and colors, this is a great choice. It is a festive favorite that your whole family will enjoy.
Chrysanthemum Coconut Candy
To create these chrysanthemum-shaped treats, you will need coconut meat, sugar, and a natural coloring ingredient such as gardenia seeds or other plant-based powders. After slicing, coloring, and coating the coconut with sugar during cooking, shaping the strips into flowers requires a bit of creativity and a steady hand.
The finished candies resemble vibrant little blossoms, each boasting a sweet fragrant taste with a pleasant chewiness. Their charming appearance is sure to draw admiration from guests during the holiday.
Pandan Coconut Candy
This version uses pandan leaves to give the coconut candy a distinct green color and an irresistible aroma. Slice the coconut into strips, soak with pandan extract, then cook with sugar until dry.
The result is chewy, creamy strips infused with the fresh scent of pandan. The bright green color stands out beautifully on any Tet candy tray. With just a few easy steps, you can prepare a delightful and refreshing treat for the celebration.
Tips for Making and Storing Coconut Candy
The storage method used for coconut candy can also be applied to many other types of Tet treats such as ginger candy or winter melon candy. To keep your coconut candy fresh for as long as possible, store it in airtight containers or sealed plastic bags. Glass jars with tight lids are highly recommended.
A helpful trick is to sprinkle a thin layer of sugar at the bottom of the jar before adding the candy. This extra sugar absorbs moisture and helps maintain the candy’s perfect texture.
If you notice the candy becoming slightly sticky or watery, do not rush to throw it away. Simply reheat it in a pan over low heat, stir until dry again, then let it cool before storing. It will still be delicious and ready to enjoy.
Khô bò CALI has gathered all these delightful coconut candy recipes so you can prepare tasty homemade treats for a warm and joyful Tet celebration with family and loved ones. Choose the recipe you love most and start cooking today for a sweeter holiday season.
